Linen table settings

How to Set A Beautiful Table For Any Season + Affordable Tablecloth Sources

For those of you who have been following me for a while, you know I am kind of obsessed with setting a beautiful table.  What you may not know is that I do not spend a lot of money on table linens.  Instead I have developed some simple tricks to make the most of my budget-friendly, basic linens and add in some seasonal color as needed. Today  I thought I would share a quick rundown of the table linens I rely on year after year and show you how to set a beautiful table for any season.

I’ve provided affiliate links for all of my basic linens at the end of this post.

This is probably the most important tip I can give you, in terms of how to build your table linen cupboard.  I have purchased tons of “specialty” linens over the years for an occasion or event and have found that I only use them once or maybe twice. (Kind of like that holiday blouse you wear only once!) Several years ago, I had a cabinet filled with these types of tablecloths and I finally got rid of them.  I now have about a dozen super affordable cloths and runners I use on a regular basis and have found that I do not need any more specialty linens. (Keep reading to find out why!)

The trick is to keep your basic linens super neutral and in line with the colors in your home.  For me that means whites, natural linens and grays.  I have a few different sizes in these colors that I use for the base of almost any table I set.

I  also have a couple of full length (meaning down to the ground) cloths in white and natural linen, so that I can layer these with runners or shorter cloths. They are really inexpensive and create tons of options.  

I got mine HERE, and it comes in many colors depending on the palette you are using.  These work great if you are using a 6′ or 8′ folding table, so you don’t see those ugly metal legs.

As with decorating in your home, I believe that layers of texture and patterns are important to create a rich look on a table.  Most of the time I chose two cloths to use as layers.  One completely open and flat on the table and the other folded as a runner or topper.  I don’t usually buy pre-made runners because they are too limiting in terms of versatility.  I like the option of having a narrower or wider runner and can easily accomplish that by folding a regular size table cloth to any width that works.

I will often layer two of my basic neutrals, since they coordinate with my overall decor and home. 

A white base with a neutral color runner is great for the warmer months and a darker base with a natural linen runner works well in the colder months.

SIDE NOTE: I don’t worry too much about having perfectly pressed linens.  There is something authentic and real about an unpressed freshly washed linen that I believe creates a comfortable atmosphere. (This only works well with actual linen fabric, not cotton) I often don’t even lay my runner flat, but purposely “toss it” down the length of the table to create some interest and texture. Of course, if it is a more formal occasion, I get out the ironing board!

As I said, I believe in layering table linens.  Whether it is a full length cloth with a runner or layers of runners, I like the look of different colors, textures and patterns on a table.  One of the best ways I have found to get different colors and textures on my tables is to buy raw fabric, rather than pre-made table linens.

I began using fabric to layer on top of my basic linens because I was frustrated by the lack of great table linens available and was always looking for something different.  I noticed that my local fabric store had a ton of different patterns and textures I loved, so I began buying long lengths of raw fabric and simply folding the long edges under and making sure there was a straight cut on the ends.  This allowed me to have any width runner on top of my basic cloths at a fraction of the price.  Two to three yards of fabric is often much less expensive than a finished tablecloth or runner.

Buying fabric also allows me to keep up with seasonal colors without the expense of buying completely different table cloths.  By using a basic color as a base and adding raw fabric runners, I can change the look of my table easily, without a lot of extra expense.  

If you’re layering, don’t be afraid to mix colors and patterns freely.  I have some indigo blue, PINTUCK CLOTHS that I use regularly and I often layer them with patterned linen fabric or textured runners.

Layering colors, textures and patterns adds interest to the whole look of your table.

I also mix patterns freely, as long as the colors coordinate.  I recently got a pretty neutral cloth that I will be able to use with most of my basics to add a little interest to the look of my table.

I also mix patterns by adding pillows to the chairs.  For this fall tablescape, I used a neutral printed cloth as a runner and then added coordinating pillows in similar tones.

If I’m going to depart from my neutral basics, it will always be with my napkin and flower choices.  I have far more napkins in a variety of colors and patterns than I have cloths.  From my years working in event design, I learned that a colored napkin is often just enough to make a statement without being too bold or overpowering.

If I know I will be putting flowers on the table, I try to pull out one of those colors for my napkins, especially if I am using a neutral base cloth.  I also have napkins in my neutral basic colors that mix and match with any table setting.  Sometimes all that is necessary for that seasonal color is the addition of a pretty flower on top of each place setting.

So there are my tips for how to use your basic linens for any seasonal table. I hope this helps you to imagine new ways to set a beautiful table for your next get together! 

I always prefer linen fabrics when I can find them, so I have sourced some of those basics below as well as a few of my current colors and patterned favorites.  Just click on the picture to shop! Have a great week!

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

Just so you know: The above links are from affiliates and while I receive a small commission from any of your purchases, your cost does not change in any way.   I appreciate your support!

How to properly set the table? | Linen.ru

In today's fast and busy world, knowing how to properly set the table has become something of a magician's trick: difficult, incomprehensible, but very interesting. If you don't regularly entertain the President or the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, you probably don't use the family dinner table during the week.

Today there are many ways to set the table, including in everyday style. Instead of letting grandma's silverware or your lovely bridal china collect dust in your closet, why not use it all up every once in a while on weekends?

We were not taught how to set the table properly at school or college. But don't worry, we've taken care of you! Below, we've written instructions on how to properly set the table for three different occasions, from a casual family dinner to a formal holiday feast. Bookmark this page so you can easily peek at it whenever you need to.

1. Basic table setting

If you are preparing for a casual dinner or weekend breakfast, you may want to know how to set the table neatly and beautifully. For everyday events, you only need a basic table setting: cutlery (fork and knife), a dinner plate, a glass of water and a napkin.

Basic table setting instructions

1. Place the dinner plate in the middle of the table section.
2. Place a napkin to the left of the plate.
3. Place the fork on the napkin.
4. On the right, place the knife as close to the plate as possible, blade pointing inward.
5. Place the glass of water a little higher, between the plate and the knife.

2. Informal table setting

Whether you're planning a family dinner or a romantic date, add a few extra touches to celebrate the get-together. Essentially, the basic table setting above and the informal table setting are nearly identical, but the latter has the addition of a bowl of soup or salad.

Basic table setting instructions

1. Place a decorative napkin on the table.
2. Place the dinner plate in the middle of the napkin.
3. Place the salad plate on top of the dinner plate.
4. If you start with a soup dish, place the soup bowl on top of the salad bowl.
5. Place the napkin to the left of the plate.
6. Place the fork on the napkin.
7. To the right of the plate, place the knife as close as possible to the plate, and then the spoon.
8. Place a glass of water directly over the knife.
9. To the right and slightly above the glass of water, place a glass for wine or a glass for another drink.
10. Use a salt and pepper shaker, place them closer to the center.

3. Formal table setting

For elegant dinner parties or celebratory dinners, it's time to elevate the table setting. Impress your guests by showing how much care you put into the reception.

Formal table setting includes many items: tablecloth, dinner, soup and salad plates, bread plates, napkins, salad forks, dinner forks, knives, soup spoons, butter knives, dessert spoons, water glasses, glasses for red and white wine. Although it may seem overwhelming, if you know how to set a casual informal table, then this is a very simple step towards knowing how to set a festive formal one.

Basic table setting instructions

1. Place a nice ironed tablecloth on the table.
2. Install a decorative plate on each seat.
3. Place a soup plate in the center of a decorative plate.
4. Place the bread pan in the upper left corner.
5. Place the napkin to the left of the decorative plate.
6. Place the salad fork on the outside and the dinner fork on the inside on the napkin.
7. On the right, place the knife as close to the plate as possible (blade facing in) and then the soup spoon. Note: All upright cutlery (salad fork, dinner fork, knife and soup spoon) should be evenly spaced, about half a centimeter apart, and the bottom of each cutlery should be aligned with the bottom of the main plate.
8. Place the butter knife horizontally over the bread plate, blade facing in, with the handle turned to the right.
9. Directly above the main plate, place a teaspoon with the handle to the right.
10. Place a glass of water over the knife. Place a white wine glass to the right of the glass and about an inch down. The red wine glass goes to the right and slightly above the white glass.
11. If a separate salt and pepper shaker is used for each guest, place them over the dessert spoon. Otherwise, place them closer to the center of the table.
12. If you are using a place card, place it over the dessert spoon.

How to set the table: additional advice

The dinner table is a special place (whether it's macaroni and cheese with the kids or dinner with close friends). This is a place where you can step away from the hectic pace of life and enjoy the simple joy of togetherness. For such cases, it is best to use a quality tablecloth and napkin set .

We prefer natural material and choose 100% linen . Products from it are environmentally friendly, safe for children and adults. This is a practical and durable material that can easily withstand many washes, and over time it will only be softer and more pleasant to the touch. Linen tablecloths and napkins will be easy to care for, because they are easily cleaned from various contaminants due to their good hygroscopicity [1].

Fill your meals with comfort and care by learning how to properly set the table for each occasion and purchasing a high-quality table set in our online store Linen.ru. We treat our business with attention and soul, control the tailoring of each product, appreciate the natural beauty and natural materials.

How to properly set the table? – blog Linen. ru

Header

Linen serving napkins | Linen.ru

During a family dinner, a birthday celebration or a long-awaited meeting with friends you want to use all the possibilities of to make even such a small event especially beautiful . In this matter, we0099 we advise you to think about such visual, but at the same time very practical items as linen napkins for table setting.

Have you ever wondered what table linen you use? Today, many s prefer the higher quality and natural materials of , and it's not easy! Let's look at this question using items such as linen serving napkins as an example.

Linen napkins have 2 main functions: firstly, protect your table from stains and food marks, and secondly are a decorative and memorable element. This simple item can either completely replace the tablecloth or be used in conjunction with it.

Linen napkins Emerald

Linen napkins for serving are quite practical. They adapt to any type of table, regardless of its shape or size. Each guest has his own cloth napkin , and not the usual paper one, so he can comfortably enjoy his meal, thanks to you for such attention and care.

Linen is a very soft and eco-friendly fabric that will add charm and character to your table. A antibacterial and hypoallergenic of this material will come in handy more than ever during a meal.

Linen Napkins Baked Milk

Linen Table Napkins are very easy to care for as they can be machine washed at medium temperatures. It is worth noting that linen fabric is much more durable than cotton or silk, , which means linen napkins will last you a rather long time and will withstand a much larger number of washes.

Depending on the season, different colors can be used: bright, dynamic colors in summer and more pastel, warm colors in winter. Choose your napkins to match your tablecloth.

Softened linen napkins Chocolate

Universal

For a romantic dinner or for a formal reception guests should pay attention to table sets of tablecloths and 6 napkins. Using this set, your feast gets a visually coordinated look, and which one is up to you to choose! Maybe it will be a neat and discreet design in the style of the Oxford set? Or a bright and festive decoration in the style of set "Favorite"?

Soft linen napkins White

Original monogrammed napkins are ideal for special occasions such as birthdays or weddings. Double or single initials, napkins in company colors – contact us, and we will fulfill all your wishes and dreams!

Now that you know more about linen napkins, their benefits and models available depending on your needs, all you have to do is order them from our online store Linen.ru. We make each of our products with great love and care, we try to make you fall in love with fine linen material as much as we do.

Learn more

• 
  Ideas for lounge design
• 
  Bohemian chic room ideas
• 
  Design planter box
• 
  Home office paint colors
• 
  Top rated vacuum for pet hair
• 
  Wall art for bedroom above bed
• 
  Pro line series
• 
  Add on porch designs
• 
  Fence climbing plant
• 
  English design living room
• 
  Home and garden collection